Help – My Kid Is Driving Me Crazy: The 17 Ways Kids Manipulate Their Parents And What You Can Do About It
By David Swanson
Simone and Nadia manipulate us on a daily basis. I think children come preprogrammed like a computer. There is the whine software, the beg application, and the cry database. That said, the girls aren’t quite as sophisticated as some children in this book, and I am passing this on to a mother or father who can use it.
A few examples:
“Let me go just this once, and I promise I’ll do all of my homework.”
“But Dad said …”
“Susie’s parents are cool. What’s wrong with you?”
Sound familiar? Leave a comment by 11:59 p.m. (CST) Oct. 2 about how your child manipulates you, and the book can be yours. Simone will point to the winning entry on my computer screen, and I’ll notify the winner.
Oh, Ivy has found the secret to Mama’s heart–sweetness and light. I know often it is the most heartfelt kind of love she is sharing, but when bedtime rolls around or potty time, her, “I love you, Mama” grows a little more insistent, the hugs a little more frequent and lingering. How soon they learn.
Mine are officially grown, but still manipulate. I guess they might have, maybe, possibly could have, learned it from me. The lengths I’d go to, to get them to eat vegetables:)
Here’s a great example: They let me be their “friends” on Facebook. I get to be in the “know” and see what they’re up to socially…as long as I don’t comment like I know them. Else I be blocked.
I had my first somewhat subtle manipulation attempt this morning. Little R said, “You know what really helps me feel calm on a cold morning? What really helps me chill out? Watching TV.” And then she looked at me expectantly. I laughed and said “nice one.” She knew she was busted and just grinned at me.